A purpose-built laboratory, designed by the Professor of Chemistry,
Archibald Liversidge and reflecting the best in international
contemporary practice in laboratory design. A rare example of an 1880s
laboratory which has continuing usage as a laboratory. Part of Professor
Leslie Wilkinson's remodelling of Science Road.

The chemistry laboratory was built in 1888-1890 by the Government
Architect's branch to the design of the Professor of Chemistry,
Archibald Liversidge who also designed the laboratory fittings and
equipment and represented the best in international contemporary
practice following Liversidge's inspection of laboratories in Europe,
America and Japan. Particular attention was paid to adequate ventilation
and lighting. Alterations and additions were made in the late 1890s-1902
and in c.1905 a balance room also to Liversidge's design, was added to
the east side of the building. The building was remodelled in 1923-1924
by Leslie Wilkinson with the addition of a second storey at the front
and changes in fenestration at the north-east corner. The building was
stuccoed in common with his other Science Road changes. A new laboratory
was added in 1943. In 1958 when chemistry moved, the building was
adapted for use by pharmacy which also occupied parts of the adjacent
bank and Badham buildings (A15 & A16). In c.1978 an addition was built
at the south end of the building. Refurbishment and fire upgrading works
took place in the 1980s.

The Pharmacy building started life as the Chemistry Laboratory,
constructed in the 1880s (with the adjacent Physics Laboratory). Both of
the laboratories were substantially altered by Leslie Wilkinson in the
1920s. The laboratories were designed by the respective professors, in
the case of Chemistry Archibald Liversidge and the details of the design
were prepared by the Colonial Architects Branch under Barnet. When
constructed the laboratories contained state of the art fixtures and
fittings. Two original draught cupboards survive in the Chemistry
laboratory. The laboratories were constructed of brick with the windows
set into recessed panels. The roofs were slate. The slope of the site
was utilised, with the building being single storied to Science Road and
two storey to the south. Wilkinson retained the porch and added another
storey and converted the panels into a blind arcaded treatment to create
a neoclassical style frontage to Science Road. Other evidence of the
original configuration of the building survives at the rear, included
the recessed paneling. The facade itself is a two-storey neo classical
structure with a giant Corinthian order, base and entablature covering
both storeys. Five bays of the Barracks Street facade face south.
Interior of the building has not been inspected.